TurboBackup, by FileStream, Inc.is a powerful program for backing up all of your important data. You canbackup one computer or backup multiple computers on your network. Theprogram is really easy-to-use and perfect for users with all levels ofexperience. I like the fact that the program lets you back up toexternal drives, CDs, and DVDs. That gives you extra flexibility whenbacking up.

TurboBackup gives you the ability to schedule backups so the takeplace when you aren't there. You can elect to backup an entire drive orjust particular folders, like My Documents, for example. In testing itout I also tried the recovery portion of the program. This issomething that's often overlooked when reviewing "backup" programs.Remember, it does no good to have a backup if you can't restorethe information to your computer. TurboBackup does a wonderfuljob of restoring data. Slick!

TurboBackup can handle multiple disk backups. Obviously, youcan't be aware from your computer for this type of backup. The programwill tell you when it's time to put in another disc. The program issimply loaded with features including backup templates, backup catalogs,both full and incremental backups, and much, much, more. You can evenpassword protect and encrypt your backups if you so desire. So, ifyou're looking for a really solid backup and restore option, take thetime to take a good look at TurboBackup! I recommend it.

RecentX, by Conceptworld Corporationis a cool program that makes it easy to quickly access files andfolders you've used recently. You don't have to probe around with yourfile manager trying to find that file you were working on yesterday. Youcan simply check RecentX and find it in a click! You don't have to doany configuration, just install the program and it starts working foryou. Cool.

RecentX shows you the files you've been using, which generallyhave a higher priority than all the others. By making them readilyavailable, the programs saves you time, effort, and frustration. What Ireally like about it is that it lets you get away from the "Start" menu.On most of my friends computers the Start menu is a mess that oftenspans the entire screen. Sometimes it's next to impossible to get to thefile you want. Not if you have RecentX. You can click and haveexactly the file you want.

RecentX lets you quickly access all of the files, folders,programs, and even Web sites you've visited. You can avoid the crowdedStart menu and easily get to the files you want. You can even access the"history" files of Firefox and Internet Explorer. The program couldn'tbe any easier to use and it's very intuitive. It's a handy tool forusers with all levels of experience. In fact, I like this program somuch that it's not just a Pick, but I'm also making it one of my Dr. File Finder Favorites and there aren'tvery many of those. So, if you'd like to simplify your life and make iteasy to access file and folders, take a really good look at RecentX. Youwon't be disappointed.

FTP Voyager, by RhinoSoft.Comis a powerful FTP client that's also easy-to-use. It's won the SharewareIndustry Awards multiple times and it's easy to see why. It has an"Explorer-like" interface, so it's easy to use for both new andexperienced users. When the program is running it monitors the Windowsclipboard, so you can copy a file link from a site and the program willstart downloading that file for you. Pretty slick! In addition, you cancreate file lists for both downloads or uploads. In addition, FTPVoyager also supports drag and drop, so you can simply drag files to theinterface for transfer. Cool!

FTP Voyager has a built-in scheduler so you can schedule file transfersyou want to do. This feature lets you automate tasks like updating yourWeb pages. It has the power to download, upload, delete, and evensynchronize files! Heck, it'll even dial up the Internet for you if youaren't connected. Very slick! There's also a neat feature that allowsyou to transfer files directly between FTP servers. (This functiondoesn't work with all servers, but it's great when it does.)

FTP Voyager, by RhinoSoft.Com, is a powerful FTP client thatpacks a lot of power under the hood. It's easy-to-use, intuitive, and itdoes an impressive job. It has lots of features that will impress a so-called "power user" and yet it's easy for a novice to use. I like that.It has all the power you'll ever need -- so try it out for yourself. Ithink you'll like it.

Xilisoft DVD Audio Ripper, by Xilisoft Inc.is a cool tool that can "rip" the audio from a DVD. Now, for those ofyou who don't know the term, rip is the term used to describe"removing" an audio track from a CD. For the faint of heart, the tracksaren't harmed by this process, it's just the clever name that someonegave to the process. Generally, when you hear the term "rip" it pertainsto CDs and audio. Not in this case!

Xilisoft DVD Audio Ripper has the ability to "rip" the audio froma DVD and let you save it. I had a lot of fun testing this product out.The program actually makes it a simple process. The audio is pulled fromthe DVD and then you can save it in a variety of audio file formats.These include MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, and others. You can also control theaudio quality, which is a nice feature to have. The program alsoanalyzes your computer and determines the best speed for ripping. Prettyslick.

So, if you'd like to "rip" the audio from DVDs, Xilisoft DVD AudioRipper is a program you're going to want to check out. The userinterface is intuitive and it's also easy-to-use. Snag the audio off ofold movies, rock concerts, and much more. The program is very nicelydone. Check it out.

PuckFun is, as you might guess, a game that involves a "puck".This is actually three games contained in one package and you can pickwhich one to play. There are over 20 levels, "powerups", and lots ofaction. I found the game to be challenging and I always like achallenge. It's the kind of game you can play for hours. Take the timeto check it out.

BREAKTRU PAYROLL 2006 is a program that helps you keep track ofall the things on your pay stub. Monitor things like sick time,vacation, overtime, and more. The program helps you to keep track of howmany hours you've worked, how much you've paid in taxes, and lots more.Take a look, you may just find it's exactly the program you've beenlooking for.

Registry Help Pro is a nifty tool that scan and fixes yourWindows Registry. It detects problems, finds bad shortcuts, and lotsmore. The program can detect a large number of things and also offers"tweaks". This is something I haven't seen in similar programs. The"tweaks" give you little ways to improve the performance of Windows.Lots of interesting features. So, check it out and I'll get to a fullreview as soon as possible.

Well, once again we've reached the end of our time for today. I hope youenjoyed reading about these programs because I know I enjoyed tellingyou about them. Take the time to try them out, because only youcan decide what software you like best. Don't forget, the voting for the SIAF People's Choice Awards starts onMay 1st. You'll be able to vote from right here on Tucows sostart thinking about your favorite software programs. I'll beback next week with more Picks to share with you. Till then, have agreat week, a wonderful weekend, and happy downloading!

About Michael E, Callahan

Michael E. Callahan, known around the world by the trademarked name Dr. File Finder, is regarded as the world's leading expert on shareware. Dr. File Finder works with software programs and developers full-time, and in the average year he evaluates 10,000 programs. Since 1982 he has evaluated over 250,000 software and hardware products. Mr. Callahan began evaluating software online in 1982 and no one has been at it longer. He currently works doing online PR and marketing for software companies, and is the Senior Content Producer for Butterscotch.Com.